Abiaterone is a newer, safer form of ketoconazole, which attracted J&J's attention enough to merit a 1 billion dollar buyout.
Like its predecessor, abiaterone blocks testosterone synthesis and can even block tumor cells from producing testosterone, which is a mode of resistance being more heralded. Does the drug work any better than ketoconazole? Theoretically yes, but there have been no head to head trials to see if it is clinically significant. What is significant is the difference in price. Ketoconazole 200 mg tid costs approximately $150 monthly. Abiaterone costs nearly $5000 per month.
For now, patients interested in this medication can ask us about clinical studies. Another drug with a similar mode of action is TAK-700. More to come on that one later.
With robotics, Provenge, Abiaterone, and other developments, it is an exciting time in the era of prostate cancer treatment.
